Doug Allan OBE
Award-winning natural history photographer, documentary filmmaker, diver, author and public speaker.
During 35 years of filming, Doug has captured some of the most iconic wildlife scenes on television.
Film work
One of the industry’s best-known underwater filmmakers, Doug has worked on over 65 films, and made more than 25 trips to the Antarctic and 30 across the Arctic, while working for the BBC, Discovery, and National Geographic among others.
Prestigious, blue-chip programme credits include Frozen Planet, Human Planet, Life, Planet Earth, The Blue Planet, Life in the Freezer, Hostile Planet, Forces of Nature, Operation Iceberg, and Ocean Giants. Doug was also one of the cameramen for, and appeared in, the award-winning documentary A Plastic Ocean.
Live events
In October, Doug will be on stage in Bristol for one night only, charting the successes and setbacks of almost four decades of wildlife filmmaking.
Information and booking: St.George’s Bristol: Monday 28 October, 2024
A knowledgeable and passionate speaker, Doug has embarked on several tours across the UK and Ireland. Most recently, he toured with It’s a Wrap in 2023.
“From the beautiful and breath taking to the brutal and provocative, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, a documentary maker or just fascinated by his work, Doug Allan’s stories make this an evening you don’t want to end.” Total Ntertainment
Speaking
Having spent the last forty years at the frontiers of climate breakdown, Doug has unparalleled first-hand experience, so can talk with authority about the challenges of plastics and climate change, and some of the opportunities.
A brilliant storyteller, Doug’s legendary exploits and unique expertise in polar regions, and other extreme environments, make him a great guest speaker.
“Doug took the children on a journey through his many adventures, woven together with stunning photography and film, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the natural world and his great sense of humour. His enthusiasm, energy, and clear passion for the natural world left everyone who heard him informed, entertained and inspired.” Primary School, June 2024
“Thank you very much for your fabulous talk, which was much appreciated by all attendees. We’ve had nothing but positive comments from our members. Such an interesting and passionate description of your career and achievements, illustrated by the most stunning visuals.” Royal Geographical Society, Hong Kong, December 2023
“The combination of his stories, images, clips and knowledge with his presentation style produced a superb evening.” Winchester Photographic Society
Awards
In 2024 Doug was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List - for services to the broadcast media, marine conservation and the promotion of environmental awareness. In 2018 he was awarded the RSGS Mungo Park Medal for his contribution to geographical knowledge in hazardous environments.
Doug’s photographic awards include eight Emmys, five BAFTAs and five Wildscreen Pandas. He has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
He has three Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his camerawork and is an Honorary Fellow of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographic Society.
Diving
Doug’s dive experience includes more than 5,000 hours underwater with over 650 dives under ice. During which, he’s been hugged by a walrus and made friends with a narwhal!
Background
Doug first overwintered in the Antarctic in 1976 when he was the research diving officer with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in the South Orkneys. Over the next seven years he spent four winters and six summers working for BAS as a diver, marine biologist, and base commander, receiving both the Polar Medal and the Fuchs Medal for his science and support work. During this time, he started filming the emperor penguins for the BBC series Birds for All Seasons.
